Credit:
Courtesy of Bhaskar R. Venepalli
When I speak with American Chemical Society members across local sections, divisions, and industry gatherings, I often ask a simple question: Do you know what CEPA is and what CEPA does? The responses vary widely. Many members recognize the name. Some recall a workshop or a career consultation. But only a small fraction understands the full scope of the Committee on Economic and Professional Affairs—or how directly CEPA can support their professional growth. As CEPA chair for 2026, my goal is to change that. Every ACS member should know that CEPA exists for one purpose: to help scientists build fulfilling, resilient, and successful careers.
CEPA’s vision—fulfilling professional lives for all scientists—captures the essence of our work. Our mission—to advocate for and empower scientists to achieve their professional ambition—reflects our commitment to every member, regardless of career stage or sector. Whether you are a student exploring possibilities, a midcareer chemist navigating transitions, or a seasoned professional seeking a new challenge, CEPA has resources designed to support you.
CEPA’s work is carried out through four subcommittees that collectively address the full spectrum of professional needs. These groups focus on career development, employment data and trends, workforce readiness, policies that affect chemists’ careers, and the training and support needed for our ACS career consultants to be successful. Together, they deliver a comprehensive portfolio of programs: oneonone career consultations, workshops and webinars, job search tools, salary and employment data, and guidance for members considering entrepreneurship, leadership roles, or new directions in the chemistry enterprise.
Yet despite this breadth, CEPA is often overlooked. Many members do not realize that these resources are available at no additional cost as part of their ACS membership. Others are unaware that CEPA is the committee responsible for monitoring employment trends, advocating for workforce issues, and ensuring that ACS remains responsive to the evolving needs of the chemical profession. This disconnect in awareness is understandable given the vast number of resources available through ACS. However, as chair, addressing this issue is one of my most critical priorities.
In January 2026, CEPA held a strategy planning retreat to sharpen our direction for the coming years. A clear message emerged: CEPA must become more visible, more accessible, and more integrated into the daily professional lives of ACS members.
“Others are unaware that CEPA is the committee responsible for monitoring employment trends, advocating for workforce issues, and ensuring that ACS remains responsive to the evolving needs of the chemical profession.”
Three main goals emerged from this SPR:
- Increase awareness: By facilitating the accessibility and visibility of CEPA resources.
- Develop content: Research, develop, and evaluate resources and materials that reflect the current (and future) needs of the chemistry workforce.
- Deliver this to members: Actively support ACS members in their careers through delivery of programs, products, and services.
Our programs are strong, but their impact depends on awareness and engagement. To meet this challenge, CEPA is launching a renewed communication effort, including the introduction of a new tagline—“Catalyzing Your Career Success”—that captures our purpose and reinforces our identity across ACS platforms. We are strengthening partnerships with local sections, student chapters, and technical divisions to ensure CEPA resources reach members where they are. Also, we are expanding our presence at national and regional meetings, increasing our digital outreach, and collaborating with ACS staff to streamline access to career tools and consulting services. Our goal is simple: every ACS member should know what CEPA is, what CEPA does, and how CEPA can help them.
The chemistry enterprise is undergoing rapid transformation. Emerging technologies, new business models, and shifting expectations for scientific careers require continuous learning and adaptability. CEPA is committed to helping members navigate this landscape with confidence. We provide data to inform career decisions, guidance to support transitions, and programs that build the skills needed for longterm success. But we can only fulfill this mission if members know where to turn.
As chair, I am committed to elevating CEPA’s visibility and strengthening its impact. I invite every ACS member to explore CEPA’s offerings, engage with our consultants, and share these resources with colleagues and students. CEPA is here to support your professional journey—whether you are taking your first steps or charting a new direction.
My hope is that the next time someone asks, “Do you know what CEPA is and what CEPA does?” every ACS member will answer with confidence: CEPA is the committee that helps scientists build fulfilling professional lives—and it is here to help me.
Views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of C&EN or ACS.
